Okay, I understand sanctions against a government, restricting their ability to (for instance) procure weapons, or finance, or basically to dramatically affect their ability to do the things that governments do.
But... what's going on with sanctioning ordinary Russian citizens?
What have they done that is illegal? For instance, Nikita Mazepin, the Formula 1 driver. He's lost his seat in the car at the Hass F1 team. He's now had his assets seized. But what has he done that is illegal? What is the lawful excuse for seizing his assets? Just because he is Russian? Isn't that unfair? Isn't that unlawful?
I could understand IF he was a Russian minister with direct influence over Putin, or benefitting directly from the action of government in some way.
But I draw the line at unpersoning someone just because they are Russian. Some wealthy Russians have not made their fortunes in Russia, have not benefitted from the Russian government and have no influence over government decisions. So why are the West targeting them unfairly?
Remember, the West supposedly hates Putin because he is a dictator. He's been in government for over 20 years. He's benefitted financially vastly during his tenure. His government is corrupt. So I can understand sanctioning the government.
But I can't for the life of me understand why ordinary Russian citizens are being persecuted in this way. It is vindictive and unfair.
Why not sanction the German government that paid billions to Russia for Russian Gas? They have had a far bigger contribution to the Russian government's coffers than ordinary Russians have.
How hypocritical is it of Europe to exempt energy supplies from sanctions, supplying billions of dollars in funds to Russia for their gas, while at the same time impounding Russian-owned superyachts, businesses and bank accounts?
You really do have to ask if the ends really are the justification for the West's actions. Because otherwise we would resolutely cut off ALL funding to Russia. NOW.
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